An apprenticeship is a hands-on training program that lets you earn while you learn. You gain real workplace experience while also studying in a classroom setting. It’s a proven way to build your career in the skilled trades.
This guide breaks down the process into five simple steps.
To begin your apprenticeship, you need a job in your chosen trade. Your employer must be approved to train apprentices. This is known as being a sponsor. They commit to teaching you the skills required for your trade. If you have very little experience working in the trades or with tools, start there and get working in any type of job in construction, manufacturing, motive power, or the service sector. If you are considering a construction trade, a driver’s license and access to a vehicle will be mandatory.
Once you’re hired, and the employer or Merit Ontario has agreed to be your sponsor, you and your sponsor must complete a Registered Training Agreement (RTA). This confirms your position as an apprentice and is submitted to Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) for approval.
Your apprenticeship includes two types of training:
These two components work together to help you build both practical and theoretical knowledge in your trade.
As you train, you’ll log your hours and keep records of the skills you’ve learned. This ensures you meet all the requirements for certification. Staying organized is essential for progressing through your apprenticeship smoothly.
Once you’ve completed your training and met the required hours, you’ll write the Certificate of Qualification exam. If you pass, you become a certified tradesperson. For Red Seal trades, your certification is valid across Canada.
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Thinking about a career in the skilled trades? Or planning to hire an apprentice for your business? You may have a few questions. Below, we’ve answered the most common ones to help you understand how an apprenticeship works in Ontario.
An apprenticeship is a paid training program. It combines real work experience with classroom learning. You’ll gain hands-on skills on the job and receive guidance from experienced tradespeople. Most apprenticeships take between 2 to 5 years, depending on the trade.
First, get hired by a qualified employer or reach out to a Group Sponsor like Merit Ontario. Once employed, you and your sponsor will sign a Registered Training Agreement (RTA). This gets submitted to Skilled Trades Ontario to officially register your apprenticeship.
Ontario offers over 140 trades to choose from. Popular trades include:
Many of these are Red Seal trades, which means your certification is valid across Canada.
A Group Sponsor, such as Merit Ontario, helps manage the apprenticeship process. We handle tasks like registration paperwork, tracking hours, answering questions about “offers of class”, and providing ongoing mentorship. This support makes the process easier for both the apprentice and the employer.
Yes, you can! Through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), students in high school can begin Level 1 training while earning their diploma. Ask your guidance counsellor while you are in grade 9 about the OYAP program. Remember to get your driver’s license and save for a vehicle!
Merit Ontario gives apprentices the tools they need to succeed. We provide:
All of this support comes at no cost to the employer.
Yes. Apprentices earn wages while they train. Pay rates usually increase as you progress through your levels and gain more experience on the job.
No. While you do attend in-class sessions typically at a college or training centre, you don’t need to complete a full college program to start an apprenticeship. What employers look for are candidates with experience using tools, experience in construction, or transferable skills, safety awareness, a driver’s licence, and access to a vehicle.
Most apprenticeships take between 2 to 5 years, depending on the trade and how quickly you complete your required hours and training levels.
The Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) is the final exam you write after completing your apprenticeship training. Passing it officially certifies you in your trade. For Red Seal trades, this certification is recognized across Canada.
Yes, but it depends on your training and progress. Some skills may be transferable, but you’ll need to register in the new trade and possibly complete additional requirements.
Finding an employer to sponsor your apprenticeship is a key first step. If you’re having trouble, consider reaching out to employment services that specialize in trades placements. Also, get working in a related field and start building skills. If you are interested in a skilled trade in construction, start as a general labourer, start using tools, and develop an understanding of the work environment in construction and the importance of safety awareness, having a driver’s license and access to a vehicle for transportation to go from job site to job site each day.